The 1862 bartenders guide is the first cocktail book, in its first version, now in an affordable reprint as it first appeared, in hardback.it was first known as "how to mix drinks, or the bon vivant's companion" and published in 1862 with "a manual for the manufacture of cordials, liquors, fancy syrups, etc, etc" by christian schultz appended at the back, since any good bartender was supposed to know how to both mix and make. it includes drinks that we still know today like the mint julep and lesser known drinks like absinthe water, flip, and fix. one can use it to impress your friends making the balaklava nectar, locomotive, and blue blazer. originals of the 1862 jerry thomas bartender's guide have been costing $2,000 in 2016, so enjoy this inexpensive reprint and spend your savings in studious enjoyment! review "the bartender who started it all" (ny times, october 2007)